AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

I'M DONE WITH FINALS!!!!! High fives all around!! As I sit back in my nice comfy blue dorm chair I'm thinking back on this major milestone in my life -- I have completed my first semester at a four-year school. God has been working some academic miracles for me lately (like how I can have my degree in just a little over a year). And, all together, this semester has been one of great personal growth. So, now I think I'll go celebrate by dancing around my room to my Amy Grant Christmas CD that is now blasting out of my stereo (and then finish that one last paper ;) ). Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S.-
I have a couple fo very fun posts I'll serve up for ya shortly. :D

"Nothing" to Now!

I was struck with a sort of epiphany (one of my favorite words!) a couple nights ago when I overheard a student ask another student, "What are you doing tomorrow?" The other student answered, "Nothing...well, homework, but..." This exchange brought to mind similair conversations I have heard, as well and that's when the epiphany came: "Homework has become so engrained in our lives, just like brushing our teeth, that studying Milton, Germanic invasions and geometry has become just the same as doing nothing!" In a way that's weird, and in a way it's sad, but all told it's very understandable ...

But, doing "nothing" is not my reason for my recent non-updated blog. Most of my academic career that would have been the culprit, but lately I have finally taken the step in doing something radical...for me anyway. The pages of my books are so well dusted off, that it was me who needed a good feather dustering. And, with God's help, that's what I began to do! It wasn't easy I assure you. But, God is here guiding me. And, it is God's revelation and conviction that brought about this change, (of course using others to send the msg. my way, as well), so it is by His mighty provision that my grades are up (I've actually been doing better in school) and I have begun to live more lately. I still need to work on this, but the shackles and chains of "nothing" are no longer keeping me from experiencing the joy of living a bright life the way they use to. And, like I said, I still have progress to make, but the step has been taken and the moment is now!

Fun Message

Reading a license plate holder recently, I thought it would be stereotypical, but it caught me off guard:

"In case of Rapture-
CARS YOUR'S!"

Love it, but not enuf to stick around after the rapture to get it!

Newsie Die-hards

Hearing a Newsie song being sung randomly is not like hearing a the very common Sound of Music song being sung. (I think Disney killed the movie before it came out, so many people have never seen it and it's usually the die-hards, like me, who watch it over and over and can repeat the movie, songs and dance moves without the movie going.) It's pretty rare. So, catching someone singing one of the movie's songs a couple nights ago in the caf I turned around and exclaimed, "I LOVE that movie!" The girls (yeah, it's mostly girls who are die-hards since the movie is full of cute really guys...well, they were when we were in high school anyway :) ) returned the passion, "Come watch it with us during open dorms on Thursday night!" So, I did. Expecting to just see 4-5 girls, I was astonished when the dorm room was packed out with both girls and guys (15-20 of 'em! crammed on the beds and floor). Many had never seen the movie before (and, kudos to the guy who began singing!) and two of the girls up on the bed with me had a very hard time keeping quiet during the songs, and, at least I know I had a problem staying still during the dancing. So, we all lip-synched through the whole thing, and, yes there were times we broke out singing, the two with the harmony, me with the melody and the accompaniment of course with the guys in the movie...at sounded so cool! We of course broke out a couple of times with the "Oh my gosh! This is my favorite part!" or "Grrr! Why doesn't he just tell him?!" type phrases. So, after the movie one of the guys looked at us three girls and said and with a big encompassing hand motion toward us said, "That is where most of the entertainment was! I spent half the movie just watching you girls." haha! Then, he looked at me later, "You know the whole movie by heart." Yeah, I do. And I also began writing a sequel back when I was 15, 'til I found out the movie was based on a true story! :D
So, yes, the history, the AMAZING choreography and music, the fight ... you've gotta see this film. Maybe someday you'll watch it wanna dance around with me!

Cal Spirit!

Over the past year I have become a major Cal fan. I love the fact that they're in my "back yard," they're friendly and I've mingled with some of the athletes/coaches and there is SO MUCH SCHOOL SPIRIT!! (My parents and sis are actually friends with some of them.) So, it didn't take long to be captured by it all at my first Cal game/meet (women's swimming, Cal vs. Standford @ Stanford) last Valentine's Day. In fact, it was so cute, Natalie Coughlin's mom and cousins were handing out "Calentines." So, I proudly displayed mine (even tho I was supposed to be unbiased since I was press ... hehe).

But, since I have been at school Cal is just a mite farther away and it's a tad harder to get to a game. But, despite that obstacle I was determined to get to a game anyway. So, taking advantage of my only non-holiday weekend at home this semester, my dad and I shared an awesome father-daughter time when he took me to a Cal football game...an especialy GREAT game being that is was against the Oregon Ducks. And, being that they had a tied record with the Bears, it made for an EDGE OF YOUR SEAT game of 28-27...drum roll...CAL!! It was almost down to the last second...fhew!

The students were always cheering and going nuts, the band triumphantly fought with the fight song and the rest of us fans yelled our heads off to distract the Oregon offense. Combine that with spectating close to the action and downing an all-American fan's meal of a hot dog and pretzyl washed down with a Coke, how could the day get much better?? Golly, I love football! Golly I love Cal! And, golly, I love my dad (and thanks for the new Cal hat! Love you!)!

Got My Sticker!

All the kids around campus were sporting their "I voted" sticker today. Very proudly, I might add, being that they're first time voters. Voting absentee I began feeling very left out...I didn't get my sticker! So, with a pouty face I expressed to the elderly woman at the poling place (right outside the caf!) that I didn't get a sticker, but I voted and I really wanted one... "Oh, honey, here's one for you right here!" Sweet woman! She gave me my sticker ... :) And I wore it proudly ... even though it was my third time voting ... :D

P.S.-- I fondly the last presidential election night ... Nov. 7, 2000 ... Nearly mid-night I was boarding a plane moving to, ironically enough, Washington, D.C. and the captain announced, "Folks, the votes are in and we have a new president, George W. Bush!" If he only knew ...

A Vacuum?!

Okay, I TOTALLY don't feel like finishing my last post, but I WILL say that I happened upon a big crime scene with a helicopter and everything that night ... Wow! THAT'S merely one of my random acts for last week, that and bowling with my professors ... :)

ANYway, tonight. It's Open Dorms, room checks and my friend is coming for the weekend, so I have been trying to get our one floor vacuum for hours, right? Well, almost at room check deadline the vacuum finally appears and I hall it over to my room. And, whatdayaknow, after a few swooshes -- BOOM, it's dead. "I can't believe it ... So, I had to double over and use my hands. Oh, glorious day ... Gotta love dorm life! Really. :)

"You Crack Me Up!"--in a Very Un-Post-Modern Way

Stuffing mini-fridges, to "Ghetto Bowl," to bowling with english professors, to post-modernism, to "Ghetto Denney's" to a crime seen! This describes the second half of my day... Wow. I don't think I've had such a random day in awhile ...

Actually, the first half was way different, too. Not to mention very cool. Not only did I SLEEP IN, but I discovered a really hot guy on campus I've weirdly enough never seen before, but I kinda lolly-gagged slightly and finished my essay (that I thot might take all day) by noon (and had fun doing it--SEE, I am intellectual!). Wow! So, that meant I got to grab a friend and go shopping for my new and needed mini-fridge. After deciding Best Buy was just that, the best buy, I purchased my prized stainless steel mini-fridge for my dorm and proceeded to my car with it on a cart thing. Well...I didn't ask a tall, buff Best Buy guy to take it off the shelf for me for no reason, so I don't know why he didn't follow us out with it because getting it into car proved a challenge. Now, my car is big, but it's no station wagon or anything... My friend and I decided the only option was to put it in the front seat. After squeezing and pushing and heaving and hoeing we finally got it in--and to the driver's seat I went...but before I sat down I realized that I with the fridge riding shot-gun I could not see my right side mirror...and that's kinda illegal I think... So, what to do! We somehow got it out and tried squeezing, pushing, hemming and hawing it into the back seat to no avail. What to do?! "Would it fit in the trunk?" my friend asked. I didn't think it would, but we were desperate. So, after managing to get it over to the trunk and clunk it in we realized the trunk lid would not close over it. Great! A lot of unheroic guys smiled at the attempts of two girls to get it back out of the trunk. We were like a comedy routine...and really couldn't help bursting out in laughter ourselves. When was the last time you were almost crying of laughter in a Best Buy parking lot??

Well, the laughing didn't stop there. Finally squeezing it in somewhere legal we made it back to the our dorm-sweet-dorm and I decided to lug it up to my room myself...Across a parking lot, up two flights of stairs and through 1,000 doors. Where was my hero that was supposed to come to my rescue??! The guys dorm isn't that far away...!! But, for whatever reason that never happens for me. :( Anyway, when my floor-mate heard very loud scootching noises coming down the hall she popped out of her room and cried, "What are you doing?!" Hemming and hawing, I replied, "Well, I've allll-most got it...the--re..." Of course she came to the rescue helping me get it into my room with a "You crack me up!" Yes, I crack a lot of people up, even myself ... And, the rest of my day was no let down. More to come!

And, Katie, my excuse is that of very un-post-modern thinking... I was only trying to win a hero! I took the traditional approach by using my intellectualism ... I'm told Damsels in distress are very attractive...haha! ;)

I'm an Intellectual!!

After reviewing a mandatory annalysis of myself here at the university, I discovered that I am an intellectual after all! I scored much higher than the average college student, so I guess that is why I find it one of my hobbies to annalyze random people. Did you know that I can tell what stop on BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) a person will exit just by looking at them? My sister and I actually both have a lot of fun people watching/reading. You wouldn't believe the elaborate stories we come up with just watching the people in the convertable stopped next to us at a light. They're so intesting ...

Anyway, I am very happy to now know that I am an intellectual...yet another thing I have in common with my brother ... ;) Life is grand.

Sea Shell of French Experience

How many times have you dined in an exquizite French restraunt and ate shellfish out of an actual sea shell...a very large sea shell? Exactly. And that's why this super fun, amazing experience made it to my Radical Randomness list for the week of: Oct. 3, 2004 (but, that actually was a magical Saturday night, the 9th)!! While we were enjoying the bounty and fun crafts of Apple Hill for a wonderful girlie weekend, my very cool mom took us (sister, aunt, good friend and I) to a magnificant Victorian mansion for French faire, the wonderful kind of restraunt where you don't always know what you're ordering and your waiter is debaneir (as well as cute!) ... :) This was esp. wonderful because I have been aching to try French food. We also found ourselves endulged in massages and manicures earlier that day which makes me oh so glad Apple Hill is an annual event ... My poor college back and brain need it, and the sea shell was pretty ...

Boys, Oh So Pretty in Pink!

The campus has been a flood of pink since this morning, guys and girls alike are wearing the feminine color. Amusingly I watched as boys walked by in pretty pink shirts that read "It's hard being a princess," or "True men are tough enough to wear pink." And, then there was the flashy boy who sped by on a scooter in a totally pink dress suit. Girl friends and boy friends have been linked in pink... And, not that I'd want to see guys in such a girlie color all the time, one day a year is satisfying somehow ... :) And, just so you boys know, you are oh so pretty in pink ... :)

Brain-dead

Sitting here in my dorm room almost completely brain-dead after my World Civ exam and overwhelming nature of yearbook, I have to do something super easy ... ;) So, I decided to comment on my "buddy blogs", blogs of my friends:

*Amy: At least at work you can't be in the shower during a fire alarm! ...We had a unnotified fire drill recently here in our dorm in which we girls had to congregate in the middle of the campus. Right before I had almost changed into my pj's (not that I don't go to the grocery store in them at times ...) ... Then the horror of a thought struck me, "What if I had been in the shower?!" A group of men comes searching through the dorm to make sure everyone's out, too... Now, by that time I'm sure I could at least have my towel around me and all that, but sheesh, whata thought!

*Jonathan D.: A couple of friends and I here at the university have adopted the practice of the ever-sophisticated British tea time. Every Sunday at 4 p.m. sharp we meet over Earl Grey, plenty of sweetner and lips full of chit-chatter. I'truly is lovely ...

*Sara J.: I just had lunch with a delightful girl yesterday named Sunshine Haven ... another writer, of course (don't you have to be with a name like that??). Delightfully sweet girl. And, she's in my Brit Lit class with another girl ... named Sunshine (who strongly insists her parents weren't hippies) ...

*Sarah M.: Where on the west coast???

*Kristine: We should FREAKING go surfing together during Thanksgiving break!!!
-Asian mangos???

Okay ... I feel a little better now. Thank you ... :)

Journalistic Team and Phelps!

I love the swim world! It's so interesting ... ANYway, for my online-newspaper job I'm always putting up article links about Phelps, Phelps and more Phelps... He's like the U.S.'s Prince William, I think. And, for a nice change of pace, I got to actually assist in a story on Phelps (which also included Crocker and Kryselburg (sp?)!). How about that for cool?! My sister and I, like on many other occasions, got to do this together (we're becoming a regular journalistic team and I'm beginning to post things up on my wall of our adventures! Fun!). Although, I have to admit, that since I am away at school she went to the event alone for the first time. :( *balling* (I've wanted to meet Phelps for "forever" ... Maybe someday. :) ) But, I DID get to help with the photo captions! This is my fave photo. *smiles* So, yes, I LOVE and ADORE working with my sister. She's becoming a GREAT photographer and I'm gifted in writing, so it's great. And, time will only tell what adventures lay before us...! (But, Phelps is always a good option ... :) )

We Need A Well!

As my wonderful Old Testiment prof points out every so often, we desperately need a well here on campus. He has argued this with the school's officials, but yet have we to get our well... After all, where is it that girls are always being met in the Bible? At a well, of course! That's how Isaac came to know Rebecca, that's how Moses' became the hero of his future wife Zipora (sp?) and the stories go on about the women at the wells. So, if I am to ever meet an awesome guy, I NEED A WELL!!! Therefore, I am hereby officially making this proclamation to Simpson University: Instead of spending your valuable money to hire workers to lay an uneeded brick patio, put them to a much more valuable use in digging and building a well. The lives and wellbeing of your female populace depends on it! If we do not get our well, we'll just construct one ourselves -- in the middle of the baseball field!

The Adventures of My Tennis Shoes

You've heard of the computer that wore tennis shoes, but I bet you never heard of tennis shoes going off on their own taking adventures. Well, my shoes do. Tempting them with the fun and daring life, they began thier journey with my daring, and sometimes downright crazy, brother. He then passed them along to my sister who nurtured them well...although they got some great experience riding horses, hanging out with crazy college kids and playing on a basketball team. That's when she passed them on to me... We've gone all over the country together...even to the dephs of caves. But, yesterday, they decided they would wanted to do something different, not only adventurous and random, but they wanted to see if they could do it without their wearer anywhere near. So, lacing up on my friend Torrie's busy feet, they went to play Powder Puff! Now, have you ever heard of that??

From Cliff Himself!...and Walla Walla

If you're into anything other than the typical Milky Way and Snickers bars, then you know about Cliff and Luna Bars. More nutricious, but still hugging that candy bar sweetness. You also know how a typical lecture class is run, walk in, sit down, pray if you go to a Christian school and then the lecture begins and your scribbling notes. That's why when I walked into such a class this morning my curiosity peeked and a little smile appeared when I spotted boxes of Cliff, Luna and MoJo Bars covering a third of my prof's desk. I sat down already being able to taste the sweet density of the Cliff Bar. While plunking my backpack on the floor, the white haired prof began showing slides of himself and other students touring the Middle East ... always with a box of Cliff Bars at hand. There were he, his students, the Pyramids ... and the Cliff Bar. There he was in Israel with is students, and famous ancient church...and the Cliff Bar. And so on through the Middle East. Then he continued telling us of his friendship with the owner of Cliff Bar, projecting photos of Cliff himself in the Berekeley offices, etc. When he told us how Cliff loved the photos of his treasured food item taking a tour of the M.E., he asked how many students his friend the prof had and sent us all Cliff Bars! Mine was chocolate peppermint stick...which took a good amount of time to eat...and the whole story ate up about 7 minutes of lecture...oh, rats of Egypt! ;)

Oh! And Walla Walla. A good looking tall chap began chatting with me in the breakfast line today about this university. He does not attend her I found out, but rather played our soccer team last night. Curious about where he orginated he looked down and remarked, "Walla Walla, Washington." And, then he found out that I just thought that was the coolest name of any location ever. What fun to say! Walla Walla, Washington-again! Walla Walla, Washington! Walla Walla, Washington! (Have I been studying too hard??)

New-fangled Note Taking

Settling down into my Old Testament Lit class I wasn't sure if I had remembered my paper for taking notes. So, I decided that if I hadn't I would ask the girl next to me if I could borrow a piece of paper...but, that's when I realized she didn't have any... She was taking notes on her lap top, and it doesn't work to say, "Can I please borrow a screen and keyboard?" No, with the rise of technology, more and more students are using other means of note-taking. All a little too arduous for me. Who wants to lug around a heavy computer and have to set it up at every class...and who ever heard of drawing diagrams on with their keyboards?? No, I think I'll stick to a light and practical pen and paper, thank you very much.

Sunday and Sunshine

Last week I met vivacious girl who goes by "Sunshine." "That's a sweet nickname," I thought to myself. Then, on one sunny morning, Tuesday, I discovered that she is a fellow English w/ writing track major and is in my British Lit class. This was a happy revelation, but not as random (they're aren't many writing track majors here!) as the one I was about to have. Going down the roll list, Mr. Philippian (yeah, isn't that a crazy name for a prof at a Christian school?! Too bad he doesn't teach New Testament Lit!) called out "Sunshine Haven?" "Oh my goodness, Sunshine is her real name," I quickly realized. Being a class of only about 15 students, the roll list wasn't long, but down the list the proffesor went until he hit, "Sunshine Someotherlastname." "Okay, this is too weird! There are two girls named Sunshine in this class...this tiny class?!?! I've never even heard this random name before and WHEN I DO THERE ARE two! How hysterical."

So, ANYway, I really like Sunshine...the first one (I don't really know the other one) :/ ... and she's closer to my age, so hopefully she'll be a potential bud. And, as for today, IT WAS MY FIRST SUNDAY AS AN OFFICIAL UNIV. STUDENT! So, what'd I do? Went church hunting, scrapbooked, did a little more decorating, of course am writing you ;), and later I'm gonna watch a movie my fellow dorm-girlies and, write another letter and have a facial. All of that and no homework, you ask? Nope. Sundays are one of my driving forces during the week...my light at the end of the tunnel, my violet in the snow, my ... well you get the idea. It's a rest day, and I thank God for setting that example. When I've applied this principle in the past, no matter how much homework sat on my desk, I received blessing for it. And, that's just how I'll continue. So, when Angie in Pollyanna sourly asks, "What's sa good about Sunday?" you know what my answer would be!! :D

The Commonality Between Deer, Eggplant and Ducks??!

They all have to do with my Random Acts for the past three weeks, of course!

Week of Aug. 23:
*Came this close to adopting a duck in southern Oregon ...

Week of Aug. 30:
*Fed a wild deer in the forrest by hand.

Week of Sept. 5:
*Tried breaded egg-plant--and actually liked it!

Stay tuned for further adventures of "O.J.'s Adventures in Radical Randomness"!

Changes ...

For various reasons, I have decided to not continue my web site (RidingTheWaves.com) at this time. However, I would like to somehow pick it back up sometime in the future. But, good news is this blog will remain and I plan to write in it much more frequently... Every day to every other day. Btw, I ADORE most of my classes (Praise God!). Speaking of which, I need to scram to year book!

University Observer

Life here at the university isn't exactly what I was expecting... Some things are better, some things aren't "better ..."

1) World Civ -- I actually love it! Who woulda thot??!
2) Not too much activity in my dorm -- I adore that at night when I'm trying to sleep or while studying (which I haven't done yet! :) ... hey, classes just began today!), however in the daytime it would be rad to hear and see more people in here.
3) Hot babes -- which is just what they are. Everytime I see a guy and and instantly think, "Sheeshhhhhh, he's cute!!" I am quickly reminded that he's probably too young, just a "babe" like most everyone here. So far, I haven't met anyone my age. (But, everyone's way cool...and there are some mature young-uns.)
4) Own "appartment" -- If you walk into my room, you'll witness something I have been longing for, something I thought I would have to somehow wait until I graduated for (about a year-and-a-half) that God has actually blessed me with! I have a two-person room and big bathroom all to my 26-yr.-old self! To add to this bliss, the laundry room and living room (a.k.a.- the lounge) are practically right across from my room and the dorm kitchen is just downstairs. So, baby, it's like I've got my own appartment...and can even offer guests a sink and bed! Howaboutthat!

So, over all, it's been good so far. I am homesick and I also need to gain some good friends. I mean, I've got friends, but most are just laying a little over the edge of aquaintence. So, I am excited to see how God will continue to work out this great adventure. Would appreciate prayer! Now, it's time to go hit the books ... ;)

Undefeated football team and Water bottles

My parent's are an hour behind me in traveling to my vacation, so I stopped by the coffee shop to say, "Hi!" It's so funny what you observe...I heard a shopper holding up our university's football shirt and say, "We don't have a football team! This says our f-ball team is undefeated!" His friend, whom I'm assuming is his girlfriend, smiled back to exclaim, "That's why we've been undefeated since 1987..."
AND, while waiting in line for my frap I realized I was missing my water bottle...again...EVERY time I come this school I lose my water bottles, in the bathroom, in the coffee shop, wherever...but this time I caught it before I completely lost it. HA! I defeated the habit at this univeristy... ;)

Sing with me!

I start school, I START SCHOOL, I start school, YAH, YAH, YAH YAHHHH!!!

Yes, after years of almost getting back in school, then deciding, "no, maybe not..." then almost getting back in school...blah, blah, blah ... I'm finally on my way today--for real. It's hard to believe. And, only a year-and-a-half 'til I'm done. (God rocks!!) After all this hard preparation, tho, I'll get my stuff to the university today and then head to Ore. and stuff for a week. So, it's my last morning at home for awhile *weird*. I will not have been away this long since Virginia... *weird again* So, I would appreciate prayers that I adjust easily, have plenty of free time, don't get homesick, find an additional job (preferable tutoring) and make great friends fast. Oh, and I'm TRYING OUT FOR THE CHEER SQUAD!! How fun would that be?!

Anyway, it is the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and I know it will be a great one (even tho I have to study! 3 of my 5 classes are lit!) ... Life is grand...and I'm almost packed. :)

Have fun for the next week while I'll be away from my friend the computer ... Live well, succumb to randomness, know I'm praying for ya. *hugs* :)

Proverbs 3:5-6

80 mph

I had no idea that even taking time off from work that I'd still be running around at 80 mph to get everything ready for school. But, with just one day to go, it's get to the finish line or have annoying left-overs. But, God has been gracious with me. I've had some time for ever-important rest AND for random acts:

du du DUUUUUUU!!! This week's random act is:
Driving a big 'ol, diesl engined U-haul! Freaked out at first, I quickly learned how to manuever...and didn't even run anything over! And, I also learned that, can you believe it?!, not every gas station sells diesl fuel! (so I had to back up in this thing!! ahhh!! Thank God He provided someone to help navigate.

So, like I said, God has given me time for rest ... and that's what I'm about to go do... Nighty, night...

"Are You Watching??!"

I think it's so funny when you're listening to two separate phone conversations in your house, both people watching the Olympics and both all-of-a-sudden exclaiming things to the persons on the other side like: "Did you just see that?!" or "Are you watching the Olympics?? What did you just think about that DQ?!" And, the funny part is that both parties are watching and both conversations can be focused on it, cuz it's in front of them all. Because everybody is watching. Because no matter what sport they are usually dedicated doesn't matter because it's now the Olympics and they are interested in everything. 41 million viewers.

I think it's so cool that when I now look at the TV Guide I know the person on the cover (Natalie Coughlin, Concord, CA, US Gold Medal Swimmer, a dominant force in swimming). It definitely makes the Olympics even a million times more spirited and makes the enthusiasm sore to greater heights when you actually know people there (esp. when they medal!), anywhere from coaches, to athletes to their family and friends. Between my 5 fam members and I, we have had the priveledge to have gotten to see and or/gotten to know quite of few of the synchronize (whole US team) and regular swimmers (including coaches). In fact, the bio shot that I'm about to use for my site (I love it! It was taken at Stanford Univ. at a Cal-Stanford swim meet... [Btw, I have become a major Cal fan. Go Bears!]) was taken by Coughlin's uncle, an incredibly nice guy. These athletes are great inspirational, and humble, people and I'm so glad they represent us and have this opportunity. To see they're family support is inspirational in itself ... It just all makes you proud to be American. GO USA!!!!!

I Wore My PJ's to ...

My random act for last week (8/13/04):
I wore my PJ's to Safeway... Hey, I was going to a sleepover Friday night and had to pick up a salad... (had my denim jacket on, tho!) Why change back into clothes for such a short jaunt only to change again?? :)

"You Dropped Your Smile..."

"Excuse me, miss, you dropped your smile..." said a good-looking chap sitting on a bench outside of Target. So, I flashed him a big laughing smile as I passed by. And, as I continued strolling toward the store to exchange my jeans I had the same thought as I have had too many times before when similair comments have been made, "I really need to smile more!" My ready excuse has always been, "That's just the way my face falls, [in a frown], so I can't help it..." HOWever, I have realized that my sometimes negative spirit, which makes my face appear sorrowful at times, needs to shift. And, that's what I wanted to share with you all, my new mission: focus on the positive in life, the blessings God has bestowed. If you do that (fully relying on God at the same time to help), and you struggle with stress and negative thoughts like me, you just may be able to catch your smile! And others will catch it, too. *smiles* :) (no pun intended...hehe)

Starving Students

I had my first sighting just a few weeks ago, but every time now that I see one, my face breaks into a smile. The company name "Starving Students" with a big read heart in the middle is stretched out across all their moving trucks. I think it's a great idea, but another reason to smile is that I don't need the use of one when I move up to the university... all of my stuff is safely stored away (and, I've got the 3-a-day meal plan, so Lord willingly I won't starve!).

A Language Barrior/Prayer Request

I was ministering to a little girl from Taiwan (who's here in the U.S. for a month) today when, after explaining the Good News she decided to ask Jesus into her heart. However, before she said the prayer she asked me a question. I answered it and we talked a little and when I asked if she now wanted to say the prayer she said, "no." And with a smile on her face she proclaimed, "I never want to do that!" Totally confused, I wondered if, since there is a language barrior, she took wrong something I said. So, I would appreciate prayer that she be saved. Thanks so much! (She's adorable!)

Handful of People

Something my pastor brought up at church a few months ago inspired my thinking: we should be focusing on just a few people in our lives: ministering to them, forming tighter relationships with them and really spurring them on in Christ. It seems to me Jesus focused on His disciples, but yet He was still able to minister to the masses. But, again, the majority of the time He spent with people, it looks like to me, was with the twelve.
After this principle ripped wildly through my mind I thought, "Hey, this topic would make a rad article!" But, as happens, the plan got pushed aside and I kinda forgot about it. Then, recently, I felt like I was supposed to show up at a Bebo Norman concert...even tho I was tired, it was late, and the concert was already more than half over. After sitting down in the dark auditorium, I wondered why in the world I was there and kept asking God, "I love Bebo and everything, but I'm by myself and I'm tired, so why am I here?" Shortly after the question, under a marriage of colors, Bebo brought one of his passions: the same "handful of people" principle my pastor inspired me with! Immediately I was pretty sure God was reminding me to write the article ... and now to get quotes from Bebo. So at concerts end, I found out he wasn't appearing to sign autographs, but that just the VIPs could aquire a chat with the Beeb. HOWEVER, a contact I had made earlier that evening kinda snuck me in to talk with him. hehe And, after shaking hands and sharing with Bebo my idea, he agreed to give me the quotes to put in my article. (I have to admit this is a fun field I am in ... And, just earlier that day I told God I missed being involved in the Christian music world... I gave the desire to Him essentially and... boy, did I get a quick answer! God rocks!)
So, I am left with this thot, who are my handful of people? And, who are your's? God can really use us to rock their worlds!

Play Like A Child

Last week (for the record this is for my Randomness Archive :) ) I found myself at the park. Now, normally I wouldn't play on the structure, but, as I sat on the grass, I caught myself thinking, "Why not play on the structure...Just cuz I'm not under 10 doesn't mean it's somehow stopped being fun!!" Then, glancing at the tunnel slide I decided I would most indubidibly fit through there... So, bounding across the sand I went to join the kids...I even had to say the special password to gain entrance to the "BIG slide"! :) And, I must have really looked like I was enjoying myself, because after a few minutes it really got fun due to the fact that my friend Anna came and joined me! However, my friend Shalana was too nervous because we reported to her that, yes, even after all these years slides still shock you! So, of course Anna and I began chasing her around trying to shock her. hehe I played on the swing (even jumped off!), ran around in circles with a bunch of kids and a fun parachute, then found myself chatting in a carefree circle of kids, watched Disney movies and let a six-year-old "hair fashioner" named Kamra fix my hair in a "1/2 up, 1/2 down" due. ;) I guess I looked really cool. :) And, through all of this letting my hair down (no pun intended) that day I realized that revisiting my childhood was a release. It relieved TONS of stress and brought back to remembrance just how INCREDIBLY FUN IT WAS TO BE A KID... and still is ... hehe!

Similar Lives, Years Apart

Lately I've been running 80 mph trying to get prepare for university life and catch up with my regular one, as well (I live such a complex one, you know). :) Anyway, while wading through a flood of papers near lunch today I picked up the phone to one of my sister's friend's. Holly wasn't home, so her friend and I began chatting...a chat that lasted an hour! She needed to talk, and I like the girl, so talk we did ... I came to find out that she, like me, will be a junior at a university this fall. In addition, I discovered we are pretty much at the same spot in life in relation to guys, outlooks, goals and much more. I chuckled to myself when I thought back to when she was more of a little sister to me (she's about 21) and realizing that now we are pretty much at a relating basis. Sure, I might be turning 26 next week and only finally advancing to my junior year, but I've had a lot of adventures in my years away. And, I've made a lot of special friends along the way ... But, now I'm especially relishing the "re-discovery" of my "little sisters" who are ... a bit more relatable now. :)

Radical Randomness

As a lover of crazy and random acts, three weeks ago I resolved to do at least one random act per week. However, I am finding total randomness just happens in my life anyway ...

Week of July 18th:
1) Was secretly allowed into the VIP backstage of a Bebo Norman concert.
2) Became a model.

Week of July 25th:
1) Made mango jelly with a group of kids.
2) Studied kualas.
3) Learned to hula dance.

I love life! Oh, and if you have out-of-the-everyday ideas to try, send 'em my way.

Locks of Oops!

Edging on the adventurous side, I finally pulled out my mom's haircutting scissors tonight and chopped away at my long blonde tresses (I had been growing my hair out, but again didn't make it all the way...). I decided to layer it in a fun, cute little Meg Ryan tossled look. And, it was coming along smashingly, until I let my hair down and realized, to my horror, that the first layer had been cut uncorrecttably wrong. The whole front sides of my hair are missing, except for a little on the top. Looking at the ridiculous image in the mirror I immediately began thinking of hats ... Then, the possibly saving idea of a new trendy short due crossed my mind, but I'm not so sure short hair is very becoming on me. Oh, dear. Then, I decided to dawn an even more adventurous spirit and let my mother see what she can do with it ... Yes, she can probably fix it! Oh, when will she be home?! Please come! (I really crack myself up!)

Spidey!!

They got together!! I knew they would ... :) I think my two favorite parts were 1) the little '70s "nerd" stroll (haha!) and then 2) the wall scene ("this is pretty heavy..."). I have been a Spiderman fan for almost as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories was running around playing tag at my 3rd birthday party, all of us little tykes in Spiderman masks and then blowing candles out on my Spiderman birthday cake. :) I've still never really read the comic books (well, I've read a couple) and I'm not really one of those suspense movie people, but, hey, Spiderman's got something, something that most suspense movies don't ...
Anyway, my dad took me to see SM2 today and it was SOOO exciting! But, it is most indubibly the romance I love the best. I think it's cuz I can relate to Peter Parker or somethin', being the picked on underdog, the very unique individual ... and still getting to have this awesome romance
altho I'm still waiting for that). But, it gives me hope. hehe ;) So, anyway, if you haven't seen it, you should.
And, next? I sure hope Princess Diaries II is also a good sequel! I know I can count on romance for that one, too ... :)

Thank God for Cell Phones!

You know, it's funny, after hanging with my sister and friend for over a week and almost always being together I'm finding it hard to all of a sudden be distanced from them. I miss being able to just turn to them and tell them whatever... I miss the comeraderie and the "anytime we feel like it prayers." And, then, I begin thinking, "Hey, we've all got cell phones!" And, they come in handy ... Not quite the same as being face to face, but they can do the trick in a pinch! :)
Luv ya'll!
O.J. =:-D

Jeremiah 29:11

The Happy Mob

I guess I'm not the annoying nagging teacher I thot I was to my group of 25ish kindergartners. After being gone for over a week in D.C. I walked through the classroom door this morning and was barraged by a mob of screaming and hugging munchkins. Surprise! "MISS JOHNSO-----N!!!!!!!!" "MISS JOHNSO-----N!!!!!" "Are you back to stay??!!!" "I'm SOOOOOO glad you're here!!!!!!!!!" One boy in the middle of the mob (my favorite, of course, but shhhh!) even looked as if he was joyfully crying. I think he mighta been. Woe... And, then, later on a group of little girls dared ask if I was going to be their first grade teacher next yr. My response? "YEAH, RIGHT, LITTLE MUNCHKINS!!" No, really, I replied, much to their deep sorrow, that I would be in school, "just like YOU." "Awwwww! She'll be in SCHOOL next yr.!" they responded to eachother pouting. Made me feel pretty good, though, I must say! :)

I'm ba-ack

Hey people!

Well, I'm back in the beautiful ol' San Francisco Bay Area at my parent's house re-cooperating from crazy sleep skeds and jet lag. God's been continuing His big work in my heart and it's been amazing! I've been challenged to take my focus off of certain things and just sit back and watch Him work. And, to see what He does is breath taking.
On another note, it sounds funny, but all day I have been trying to decide on a spot to place the model ship/yaught/schooner, whatever it is exactly, my sis and I bought my dad out in Virginia. I'm very athetic and LOVE nautical decor, so I had to find the perfect spot. I finally berthed it in our airy cottage in the back yard (my old room)--perfect--and can't wait 'til my dad discovers it. Yeah, I know, like you really wanted to know all that ... but I'm excited. ;) (I'm easily amused! haha!)

Welpers, tomorrow it's back to work and back to fun craziness as I move into a house with a friend of mine. Yae!

Luv ya's!

O.J. =:-D

PS- Oh, I should get the pics up soon ... Had fun watching my home video today (my sis took most of it and she CRACKS ME UP!!! I never realized she has SUCH a crazy sense of humor.)

Virginia Style

(Possible summer '05 move to VA, Stuck in Sac and Wishes)

Hey!

I'm just settin' up this blog (thanks Sarah for showing me how! :D) ... I mean, hey, why not? I kinda got stuck here in Sacramento when the airline I just returned from Virginia on left my sister, Holly, and friend behind in VA (it's Maria's car that is here in Sac and I have to pick them up at mid-night tonight--a complete 24 hrs. after I get back!)! What's totally ironic and humorous (but, boy, it wasn't funny at the time!!!), before and after we got to the airport I was wishing that SOMEHOW I'd miss my flight and somehow get to stay in VA longer (I never take to the fact I have to leave, but of course would NEVER intentionally miss my flight...). Cuz, hey I didn't have to work today. HOWEVER, altho VA found a place in their hearts, Holly and Maria had things to do and a job to get back to today, so they were like, no way! We don't want to miss our flight. Now, I did nothing intentional to be late of course, but after we got separated and I sat in my plane seat all by my lonesome, Maria called my cell and was like, "Our people mover won't connect, so we're stuck." I immediately called a stewartess over and informed the airline AGAIN that they were on their way and would they wait for them?? Nope, the doors were closed and I was on my way to California without them. I was devastated. I left my heart in VA and I was the one on the plane. All cuz I chose a different security check line... Sheesh! THAT was the longest and most depressing flight of my life. So, as I sit here writing, they're still 3,000 miles away in my beautiful state. And I've got Holly's luggage ... It's interesting how God works things out... Not sure what will come from it, but He has a plan, and that is what I can rest in. And, now I have all kinds of groovy memories from this past week that I am reflecting on. Again, this was another trip out there in which I grew spiritually...And, again I made new friends and had a blast meeting up with the old ones. Weather was perfect and my friend, Carrie's wedding was BEAUTIFUL!

OH! And, while I was at my friend Mike's going-away party yesterday, I realized that since I have absolutely ZIP plans for next summer (I'm finishing my degree so I'll be in skool next sem), I should just move to Virginia for 3 1/2 months and work there! So, that's something I'm praying about now. Wouldn't that be SO fun?!! Yae!

So, yeah, I didn't intend to write this much, but I had an amazing time there and GOT TO DRIVE AN SUV (and SUV's are TOTALLY me!), had a wonderful time touristing (including the WWII monument which I HAD to see!), hanging out with special friends, volunteering at one of my fave ministries and just hangin' out (and if any of my hosts read this blog...THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!).

Wow, I've gotta jam. Love you all and am praying for you! Oh, and remember to pray for the government switch-over in Iraq and all of the folks involved.

Stay cool,

Olivia Janelle =:-D

Jeremiah 29:11

www.ridingthewaves.com/hjoj.htm (will publish photos from my VA trip soon!)